On the auspicious Poornima evening of October 6, 2025, as the cloudy skies slowly parted to allow the setting sun to offer its final rays after the Arati, the resplendent moon emerged in all its fullness, casting a silver glow upon Prasanthi Nilayam. The sky, painted in shades of purple and lavender, bore silent witness to a moment of divine beauty — one that would soon become an unforgettable celebration of unity, tradition, and spiritual devotion.
In this celestial setting, nearly 300 Sai devotees from across the Chinese-speaking world gathered at the abode of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to celebrate, for the first time, the sacred Mid-Autumn Festival — a cultural jewel steeped in Chinese heritage, now elevated into a spiritual communion in the Divine Presence.
Clad in graceful traditional attire and holding radiant lanterns reverentially, the Chinese devotees gathered near the Ganesha shrine to embark on a sacred procession, singing Sai bhajans in Mandarin — a rare and touching sight that seamlessly blended cultural beauty with spiritual fervour. The soft glow of their lanterns swayed gently, illuminating their path as they made their way to the Sai Hira Global Convention Centre.
Once assembled, the lanterns were tied around the venue, transforming the ambience into one of ethereal charm. The natural brilliance of the full moon harmonised with the warm lantern light, creating a spectacle that was both serene and sublime — a tribute to the enduring spirit of unity and love.
Sister Chuah Huan Bee offered a heartfelt talk on the deeper significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Traditionally celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, this festival marks a time when the moon is at its brightest — symbolising completeness, reunion, and gratitude. Once an agricultural celebration tied to harvest and family gatherings, it now found a new spiritual expression at Prasanthi Nilayam, bridging continents through the light of shared values.
For many devotees far from their homeland, this celebration was not merely a cultural observance but a deeply emotional and spiritual experience. As they gazed at the full moon — the same moon seen by their loved ones thousands of miles away — hearts were united in silent remembrance, devotion, and love.
In a touching satsang, the Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Mr RJ Rathnakar, reminded all of Bhagawan Baba’s timeless message: Faith, Hope, and Love. These core principles found living expression in this gathering, demonstrating that true unity knows no borders when hearts are bound by God, culture, and love.
Indeed, the Mid-Autumn Festival at Prasanthi Nilayam was more than a celebration — it was a luminous offering of devotion under the full moon, where East met West in the universal language of the heart.
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